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During her teaching career, Wanda Douglas has trained and inspired a generation of nurses working in healthcare facilities across the country. Her dedication to the nursing profession and community has left a lasting impression on many, including two former students who created a $10,000 scholarship in her honor. Douglas says she was shocked when the two donors, who wish to remain anonymous, contacted her late last fall. Over the years, the pair had never forgotten Douglas’ kindness to them while nursing students at Frontier Community College.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Aspen Institute has named Íøºì±¬ÁÏ one of the 150 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges. The colleges selected for this honor stand out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide as having high and improving levels of student success as well as equitable outcomes for Black and Hispanic students and those from lower-income backgrounds.

Looking for a hobby or the opportunity to learn a new skill? Íøºì±¬ÁÏ is offering a variety of Community Education classes beginning January 10. Courses range from basic computer skills, community band and oil painting to quilting, woodworking and artistic welding. Visit www.iecc.edu/occ/communityed for a complete listing of Spring 2022 courses. For more information or to register, call 618-395-7777.    

Íøºì±¬ÁÏ Theater is bringing the lovable childhood character of Curious George to town for two special events. Many people have enjoyed the books, TV shows, and movies featuring Curious George, but few know the fascinating history of how he came to life. Long before getting himself into all sorts of mischief, the famous monkey made an incredible journey when his creators escaped the Nazi invasion of France.

Jane McCormick is serving as Íøºì±¬ÁÏ’s new Information Systems Technology (IST) Instructor. An Olney native, McCormick possesses both technical and educational experience in the field. After graduating from college, she began her career with AT&T and later moved to its subsidiary Lucent Technologies in Naperville. McCormick served as a software engineer working at the telecommunications equipment firm before transitioning into technical management.

Íøºì±¬ÁÏ is currently accepting applications for Fall 2022 entry into the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges/OCC Nursing Program. Applicants must attend an informational meeting which will be scheduled for some time in January and February. Please check with Nursing Advisor Linda Horn as to the dates.

Title III Advising Specialist Ashley Bigard shared Illinois Eastern Community College’s success with Appreciative Advising during a webinar on Oct. 13. The event was hosted by Signal Vine, the provider of IECC’s text messaging platform. Íøºì±¬ÁÏ began utilizing the service in 2019. Its implementation coincided with the district’s move toward Appreciative Advising under the IECC Title III Block Grant initiative to enhance academic advising.

Title III Advisor Ashley Bigard hopes to raise mental health awareness at Íøºì±¬ÁÏ by establishing an Active Minds chapter on campus. Founded by Alison Malmon following her older brother Brian’s suicide in 2000, Active Minds is the nation’s premier nonprofit organization promoting mental health for young adults.

Spring semester registration opens October 19 at Íøºì±¬ÁÏ. To schedule an advisement appointment, call 618-395-7777.  New students can apply for free at www.iecc.edu/apply. The Spring 2022 schedule is available at www.iecc.edu/schedules.

The Íøºì±¬ÁÏ Student Senate will host a Halloween Movie Knight on Oct. 30 in the Dr. John D. Stull Performing Arts Center. A family-friendly event featuring, Casper, will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. with a costume contest. Categories are Most Creative, Scariest and Cutest. Prizes will be awarded following the movie. Children must be accompanied by a family member. A freewill donation will be accepted at the door. OCC students are invited to watch Freddy vs. Jason at 6 p.m. Students must present their OCC ID at the door. Each student may bring one guest.